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Definition of Mood
The mood of a piece of writing is its general atmosphere or emotional complexion—in short, the array of feelings the work evokes in the reader. Every aspect of a piece of writing... read full definition
The mood of a piece of writing is its general atmosphere or emotional complexion—in short, the array of feelings the work evokes in the reader. Every aspect... read full definition
The mood of a piece of writing is its general atmosphere or emotional complexion—in short, the array of feelings the work evokes... read full definition
Mood
Explanation and Analysis:
Hemingway's novella has a subdued and quotidian mood for much of the story. Santiago's 84-day streak of “bad luck” frames the entire story and the mood accordingly; a dark shadow of necessity is cast over the story as the stakes of Santiago's subsequent days at sea are raised. The mundane, day-to-day elements of Santiago’s life are highlighted first and foremost, with the reader experiencing the underwhelming conclusion of Santiago's 84th day without a catch. The extent of Santiago’s poverty, with Santiago unable to afford his own food and living in a sparse, one-room hut, also contributes to the mood. The reader feels pity for the old man whose age and declining ability are mentioned recurringly.
The dreams of the lions and beach in Africa, a reliving of rich memories, evoke a depressing nostalgia that permeates the mood. Santiago ends each day yearning for the far more exciting world of his youth. The ultimate undercutting of Santiago’s victory over the marlin transforms the triumphant mood that accompanies Santiago’s victory into a heart-rending, somber mood. While the reader will undoubtedly be excited by the conclusion of Santiago's exhausting victory over the marlin, the fact that Santiago ends up without any meat to feed himself, his village, or sell on the market leads to a somewhat defeated mood at the end of the novella, though this is perhaps overshadowed by the broader personal victory Santiago has achieved simply by surviving.
Related Themes:
